Before Jimmy Smith even stepped foot onto an NFL field, he was labeled Baltimore’s next franchise, shutdown cornerback. The questions on the topic came just minutes after he put on a Ravens ball cap for his introductory press conference.
Four years later, the 2011 first-round pick got re-signed to a big-time deal. Now he’s got to be that player.
The Ravens don’t give all of their talented defenders long-term extensions. In recent years, they’ve let linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, cornerback Cary Williams, pass rusher Paul Kruger, defensive tackle Art Jones and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee put down roots elsewhere.